A Day of Visioning

A Day of Visioning

Once the Healthy Church Initiative report was approved at the Charge Conference on November 24 our mission statement was adopted, “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”   We have been in a season of prayer throughout  Advent in preparation for a day of visioning that will take place on Sunday, January 11, 2015.  The purpose of this day is to begin to define, clarify and express how Newton First UMC will uniquely live out the mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  Our coach, Reverend Karen Nelson will be sharing in the worship service and leading us in the Day of Visioning Workshop that will follow.  Mark your calendar now and plan to spend the day listening, sharing and focusing on how we will live out our mission at First UMC.  Everyone in the church is invited to attend. 

The day will begin with worship at 8:45 AM, Reverend Dr. Karen Nelson will be preaching and assisting me in worship.  Sunday School will be at its normal time from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and we will also lead worship at Park Centre from 10:15 AM to 11:00 AM.  At 11:15 AM we will meet in the dining hall for a potluck brunch.  Everyone is invited to bring a dish to share and their own table service; beverage will be provided.  At 12:15 PM in the afternoon we will begin the visioning process and adjourn by 2:00 PM.  Once again, everyone is invited to join in this special day.

In consultation with our coach, I will select a team of 3 to 5 people who participated in this Day of Visioning to draft a vision statement for Newton First UMC. This will be completed by and presented to the Administrative Council by their March 2015 meeting for adoption and celebration of the team’s work.

The next step will be to form a team, in consultation with our coach, to develop a plan to educate and inspire the congregation around the vision.  This will be fully implemented by fall 2015.  We have a lot of work ahead of us as we move forward in the Healthy Church Initiative prescriptions and living out the mission of Newton First United Methodist Church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  Join with me in praying for God’s will to be done as we move forward into a new year and a new mission and vision for the church.